AiP certificate will contribute to establishment of synthetic methanol supply chain for carbon-neutral future
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, have acquired Approval in Principle (AiP) from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for their jointly developed liquefied CO2 (LCO2) / methanol carrier. AiP acquisition for this type of carrier marks a world's first, MOL said.
Technologies for converting CO2 into fuel or chemical products are attracting attention as a means of utilizing CO2 in CCUS (Carbon dioxide Capture, Utilization and Storage). One such approach is the ongoing study toward realizing a supply chain for producing synthetic methanol(Note3) from capturedCO2. Synthetic methanol is expected to serve as one of the marine fuels that will contribute to decarbonization in the maritime shipping industry.
The vessel for which Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and MOL acquired AiP is based on a low-pressure LCO2 carrier. It aims to transport CO2, which serves as raw material, on outward voyages and synthetic methanol on return voyages. Use of dedicated vessels for CO2 or methanol results in empty-cargo operation on half of their trips. If dual transport of CO2 and methanol is achieved, empty-cargo trips can be eliminated, thereby improving overall transport efficiency. MOL and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will move forward with the development of the LCO2 / methanol carrier, building on the findings and technical challenges identified during the concept study. The goal is to achieve commercialization of the LCO2 / methanol carrier through collaboration with relevant companies in the supply chain and other partners.
The MOL Group is currently working to build supply chains for synthetic fuel/methanol and CO2 through initiatives such as its investment in HIF Global LLC(Note4), a U.S.-based company that develop, produce and transport synthetic fuel/methanol across North and South America and Australia. LCO2 / methanol carrier is expected to enhance the overall economic viability of such supply chains and contribute significantly to their realization. In line with the "MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2," MOL is targeting net-zero emissions Groupwide by 2050. By further accelerating initiatives to transport CO2 as well as to develop and supply synthetic methanol, MOL aims to contribute to realization of a low-carbon or decarbonized society.